JP6907966B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device including an optional device.

An information processing device such as an image forming device is configured so that an optional device can be attached. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device (module configuration type image forming device) equipped with a post-processing device and a paper feeding device as an optional device (module).

The information processing apparatus usually includes a main body processing unit that controls the entire information processing apparatus. When the information processing device is equipped with an optional device, the main body processing unit communicates with the optional processing unit provided in the optional device to control the optional device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-265191

The main body processing unit of the information processing device transmits control data to the optional device in order to control the optional device. The option processing unit of the option device sets the setting values of the setting items related to the control of the option device based on the control data from the main body processing unit, and executes the job.

For example, the control data received by the optional device from the main body processing unit is temporarily held in the optional memory (RAM) provided in the optional device. Then, the option processing unit sets the setting values of the setting items related to the control of the option device based on the control data stored in the option memory.

Here, when a plurality of control data are continuously transmitted from the main body processing unit to the optional device, the optional memory may be in the memory full state. Even if control data is transmitted from the main unit processing unit to the option device while the option memory is in the memory full state, the control data is not retained in the option memory. If the control data is not retained in the option memory even though the control data is sent from the main unit processing unit to the option device, the job is in a state where the settings based on the control data have not been made (data leakage has occurred). Will be executed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and suppresses data leakage (a job is executed without settings based on control data transmitted to an optional device). It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device capable of the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus of the present invention primarily transmits an optional device, a main body processing unit that transmits control data for controlling the optional device to the optional device, and control data transmitted to the optional device. It is provided with a first buffer and a second buffer to be stored in. The optional device is equipped with an optional memory, and sends a save request to the main unit processing unit when the control data cannot be retained in the optional memory, and sends a save release request to the main unit processing unit when the control data can be retained in the optional memory. Send. During the period from when the save request is received until when the save release request is received, the main body processing unit does not send the specific control data, which is the control data that needs to be retained in the option memory, to the option device from the first buffer. Control data other than the specific control data is transmitted from the first buffer to the optional device, and the specific control data saved in the second buffer is transmitted to the optional device after receiving the save release request. do.

In the configuration of the present invention, when the option memory becomes a memory full state (a state in which control data cannot be held in the option memory), a save request is sent from the option device to the main body processing unit, and the memory full state of the option memory is cleared (a state in which the memory full state of the option memory is cleared). When the control data can be retained in the option memory), the option device sends a save release request to the main unit processing unit. In this way, in the configuration in which the save request and the save release request are transmitted from the option device to the main body processing unit, it is possible to make the main body processing unit recognize whether or not the option memory is in the memory full state.

When the option memory is in the memory full state (the period from receiving the save request to receiving the save release request), the main unit processing unit is the specific control data that is the control data that needs to be retained in the option memory. Is saved from the first buffer to the second buffer without being transmitted to the optional device. When the specific control data is saved in the second buffer, the main body processing unit saves the specific control data in the second buffer after the memory full state of the option memory is cleared (after receiving the save release request). Send the data to the optional device. At this time, since the memory full state of the option memory has been cleared, the specific control data transmitted from the main body processing unit to the option device is held in the option memory. As a result, there is an inconvenience that the job is executed in a state where the setting based on the specific control data is not made (a state in which data leakage occurs) even though the specific control data is transmitted from the main body processing unit to the optional device. It can be suppressed from occurring.

In the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of data leakage (the job is executed without setting based on the control data transmitted to the optional device).

A block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the type of the control data which the main body CPU of the image forming apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention transmits to the post-processing apparatus. Diagram to explain data leakage A conceptual diagram showing a state in which control data is stored in a first buffer of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart showing the flow of processing performed when the main CPU of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention transmits control data to the post-processing apparatus. The figure for demonstrating the save process performed by the main body CPU of the image forming apparatus according to one Embodiment of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the transmission order of the control data transmitted to the post-processing apparatus by the main body CPU of the image forming apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking an image forming apparatus as an example.

<Structure of image forming apparatus>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes an image reading unit 101 and a printing unit 102. The image reading unit 101 reads the document and generates image data of the document. The printing unit 102 feeds the paper into the paper transport path and transports the paper along the paper transport path. Further, the printing unit 102 forms a toner image based on image data (image data of a document read by the image reading unit 101, etc.). Then, the printing unit 102 prints the toner image on the paper being conveyed. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 can execute a job that involves reading a document and printing an image on paper. When a user terminal (personal computer or the like) is connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 can be used as a printer.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 103 in order to receive settings related to the job from the user. The operation panel 103 is provided with a touch screen. The touch screen displays software buttons and accepts settings related to the job. The operation panel 103 is also provided with a hardware button. For example, as a hardware button, there is a start button for receiving a job execution instruction from a user. When the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a printer, the user terminal instructs the user terminal to execute the job.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body control unit 10. The main body control unit 10 controls each part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 such as the image reading unit 101 and the printing unit 102. Further, the main body control unit 10 transmits control data (command) for controlling the post-processing device 2 to the post-processing device 2 described later.

The main body control unit 10 is, for example, a microcomputer (microcomputer), and includes a main body CPU 11, a main body memory 12, and a main body input / output port 13. The main body CPU 11, the main body memory 12, and the main body input / output port 13 are connected to each other via a bus. The main body CPU 11 operates based on the control software, and performs processing for controlling the image forming apparatus 1. The main body CPU 11 corresponds to the "main body processing unit".

The main body memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory (ROM) and a volatile memory (RAM). The main body memory 12 stores control software for operating the main body CPU 11. The main body CPU 11 reads data from the main body memory 12 and writes data to the main body memory 12.

The main body input / output port 13 inputs / outputs data. The main body input / output port 13 includes a first buffer 15 and a second buffer 16 as a buffer 14 for data output. For example, a motor, a clutch drive circuit, a sensor, and the like installed in the image reading unit 101 and the printing unit 102 are connected to the main body input / output port 13.

Here, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a post-processing apparatus 2. The aftertreatment device 2 has a plurality of discharge trays. The post-processing device 2 performs post-processing such as punch processing and staple processing on the paper on which the image is printed by the printing unit 102. Then, the post-processing device 2 discharges the post-processed paper to one of the discharge trays. The post-processing device 2 corresponds to an “optional device”.

The post-processing device 2 includes a post-processing control unit 20. The post-processing control unit 20 is communicably connected to the main body control unit 10. The post-processing control unit 20 receives control data (command) from the main body control unit 10 and controls the post-processing device 2 based on the received control data.

The post-processing control unit 20 is, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a post-processing CPU 21, a post-processing memory 22, and a post-processing input / output port 23. The post-processing CPU 21, the post-processing memory 22, and the post-processing input / output port 23 are connected to each other via a bus. The post-processing CPU 21 operates based on the control software and performs processing for controlling the optional device 2.

The post-processing memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory (ROM) and a volatile memory (RAM). The post-processing memory 22 stores control software for operating the post-processing CPU 21. The post-processing CPU 21 reads the data from the option memory 22 and writes the data to the option memory 22. The post-processing memory 22 corresponds to the "option memory".

The post-processing input / output port 23 inputs / outputs data. For example, the post-processing input / output port 23 is connected to a drive circuit of a motor or a clutch installed in the post-processing device 2, a sensor, or the like. Further, the main body control unit 10 is connected to the post-processing input / output port 23.

<Control during job execution>
When the image forming apparatus 1 receives a job execution instruction, the main body CPU 11 hierarchically performs processing related to the job. For example, the main body CPU 11 recognizes the setting contents set by the user, detects the state of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the output value of the sensor (process of detecting the remaining amount of paper, the remaining amount of toner, etc.), and Various processes such as a process of controlling the image reading unit 101 and the printing unit 102 (for example, a process of controlling paper feeding and conveying, and a process of controlling the formation of a toner image) are performed based on the setting contents set by the user.

Further, the main body CPU 11 performs a process of recognizing the state of the post-processing device 2 and a process of generating control data (command) to be transmitted to the post-processing device 2. Then, the main body CPU 11 performs a process of transmitting the control data (command) generated in the process of the upper layer to the post-processing device 2 as the process of the lowermost layer.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, various control data such as control data related to linear speed, control data related to paper weight, control data related to paper size, and control data related to discharge destination are transmitted to the post-processing device 2. Can be done.

The control data transmitted to the post-processing device 2 is temporarily held in the RAM of the post-processing memory 22. After transmitting the control data to the post-processing device 2, the main body CPU 11 transmits a confirmation command to the post-processing device 2.

When the post-processing CPU 21 receives the confirmation command, the post-processing CPU 21 performs a setting process of setting (changing) the setting value of the setting item related to the post-processing setting based on the control data held in the post-processing memory 22. When the setting process is completed, the post-processing CPU 21 erases the control data held in the post-processing memory 22 from the post-processing memory 22.

When the main body CPU 11 executes a job of continuously printing an image on a plurality of sheets of paper (when a plurality of sheets of paper are continuously fed to the paper transport path), the paper is fed to the paper transport path. Each time, it is determined whether or not the setting contents of the post-processing setting should be changed. As a result, when it is determined that the setting content of the post-processing setting should be changed, the main body CPU 11 transmits the control data to the post-processing device 2, and then transmits the confirmation command to the post-processing device 2.

Specifically, when the first sheet of paper is fed, the main body CPU 11 transmits control data to the post-processing device 2, and then transmits a confirmation command to the post-processing device 2. Then, when the second and subsequent sheets of paper are fed, the control data is not transmitted from the main body CPU 11 to the post-processing device 2 unless the line speed, the paper weight, the paper size, and the ejection destination are changed. On the other hand, if there is a change in any of the linear speed, the paper weight, the paper size, and the ejection destination, the main body CPU 11 transmits the control data to the post-processing device 2, and then issues a confirmation command to the post-processing device 2. Send. For example, when there is no change in the linear speed, the paper weight, and the paper size, and there is a change in the ejection destination, the main body CPU 11 sends only the control data (data indicating the ejecting destination after the change) to the post-processing device 2. After that, the confirmation command is transmitted to the post-processing device 2. In this case, the ejection destination of the post-processed paper is changed. That is, the trailing paper is ejected to an ejection tray different from the ejection tray from which the preceding paper is ejected.

Further, control data related to on / off of the motor and the clutch installed in the post-processing device 2 may be transmitted to the post-processing device 2. When switching the on / off of the motor or clutch of the post-processing device 2, the main body CPU 11 transmits control data regarding the on / off of the motor or clutch to the post-processing device 2. When the post-processing CPU 21 receives the control data relating to the on / off of the motor or the clutch, the post-processing CPU 21 does not hold the control data in the post-processing memory 22 and immediately switches the on / off of the motor or the clutch of the post-processing device 2 based on the control data.

In the following description, control data that needs to be retained in the post-processing memory 22 may be referred to as specific control data. Control data related to line speed, control data related to paper weight, control data related to paper size, control data related to ejection destination, and the like correspond to specific control data. On the other hand, control data that does not need to be held in the post-processing memory 22, that is, control data related to on / off of the motor or clutch may be referred to as on / off control data.

<Save control data>
When the main body CPU 11 performs a process of transmitting control data to the post-processing device 2 (processing of the lowest layer), the control data generated in the process of the upper layer is temporarily stored in the buffer 14. Then, the main body CPU 11 transmits the control data temporarily stored in the buffer 14 to the post-processing device 2.

Here, when a plurality of specific control data are continuously transmitted to the post-processing device 2, the RAM of the post-processing memory 22 may be in a memory full state (a state in which the specific control data cannot be held). Even if the specific control data is transmitted to the post-processing device 2 when the post-processing memory 22 is in the memory full state, the specific control data transmitted to the post-processing device 2 is not held in the post-processing memory 22. In this case, there is an inconvenience that the job is executed in a state where the setting process based on the specific control data transmitted to the post-processing device 2 is not performed (a state in which data leakage occurs).

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, control data related to linear velocity, control data related to paper weight, and control data related to paper size are sequentially transmitted to the post-processing device 2, and control data related to paper size is transmitted to the post-processing device 2. As a result, it is assumed that the post-processing memory 22 is in the memory full state. Then, it is assumed that after the post-processing memory 22 is in the memory full state, the control data regarding the discharge destination is transmitted to the post-processing device 2, and then the confirmation command is transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

In this example, the control data regarding the discharge destination is not held in the post-processing memory 22 (data leakage occurs). Therefore, when the confirmation command is transmitted to the post-processing device 2, the control data regarding the ejection destination is not held in the post-processing memory 22, and as a result, the ejection destination of the post-processed paper is not changed. That is, the trailing paper is ejected to the same ejection tray as the ejection tray from which the preceding paper is ejected.

Therefore, the post-processing CPU 21 transmits a save request to the main body CPU 11 when the post-processing memory 22 is in the memory full state (when the specific control data cannot be held in the post-processing memory 22). The post-processing CPU 21 transmits a save release request to the main body CPU 11 when the memory full state of the post-processing memory 22 is resolved after the post-processing memory 22 is in the memory full state. The main body CPU 11 determines whether or not the post-processing memory 22 is in the memory full state based on the evacuation request (evacuation release request) received from the post-processing CPU 21.

When the post-processing memory 22 is not in the memory full state, the main body CPU 11 performs a process of temporarily storing the control data generated in the upper layer process in the first buffer 15 as one process of the lowermost layer process. FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram of the first buffer 15 in which the control data is stored. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that seven control data are stored in the first buffer 15. In FIG. 4, the control data are numbered 1 to 7 (the numbers indicate the transmission order). After storing the control data in the first buffer 15, the main body CPU 11 sequentially acquires the control data stored in the first buffer 15. Then, the main body CPU 11 sequentially transmits the control data to the post-processing device 2. The main body CPU 11 transmits control data to the post-processing device 2 one by one at predetermined timings (timing at which control data can be transmitted to the post-processing device 2).

When the post-processing memory 22 is in the memory full state, the main body CPU 11 specifies the control data generated in the upper layer processing in addition to the processing of temporarily storing the control data in the first buffer 15 as one processing of the lowermost layer processing. A save process (a process of temporarily storing the specific control data in the second buffer 16) for saving the control data from the first buffer 15 to the second buffer 16 is performed. In other words, when the main body CPU 11 receives the evacuation request from the post-processing CPU 21, it shifts to the evacuation mode, which is the mode in which the evacuation process is performed.

When the save process is performed by the main body CPU 11, the specific control data among the control data stored in the first buffer 15 is saved in the second buffer 16. During the evacuation period, which is the period during which the main body CPU 11 is in the evacuation mode, the specific control data is not transmitted to the post-processing device 2. Even during the evacuation period, the on / off control data is transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

When the main body CPU 11 receives a save release request from the post-processing CPU 21 after shifting to the save mode, the main body CPU 11 ends the save mode (the save period ends). That is, the period from when the main body CPU 11 receives the evacuation request to when the evacuation release request is received is the evacuation period. When the evacuation period ends, the main body CPU 11 does not perform the evacuation process.

When the save period ends (when a save release request is received from the post-processing CPU 21), if the specific control data is stored in the second buffer 16, the main body CPU 11 has the specific control data stored in the second buffer 16. Is preferentially transmitted to the aftertreatment device 2. For example, it is assumed that the control data regarding the discharge destination is stored in the second buffer 16 at the end of the evacuation period. In this case, even if other control data is stored in the first buffer 15, the main body CPU 11 first transmits the control data regarding the discharge destination stored in the second buffer 16 to the post-processing device 2, and then confirms the control data. The command is transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

Hereinafter, the flow of processing performed by the main body CPU 11 when transmitting control data to the post-processing device 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 starts when a predetermined timing (timing at which control data can be transmitted to the post-processing device 2) is reached.

In step S1, the main body CPU 11 determines whether or not it is the evacuation period. As a result, when the main body CPU 11 determines that the evacuation period is reached, the process proceeds to step S2. When the process proceeds to step S2, the main body CPU 11 acquires control data from the first buffer 15.

In step S3, the main body CPU 11 determines whether or not the control data acquired from the first buffer 15 is specific control data. As a result, when the main body CPU 11 determines that the data is specific control data, the process proceeds to step S4. When the process proceeds to step S4, the main body CPU 11 saves (stores) the control data (specific control data) acquired from the first buffer 15 in the second buffer 16. After that, the process proceeds to step S2.

If the main body CPU 11 determines in step S3 that the control data acquired from the first buffer 15 is not specific control data (on / off control data), the process proceeds to step S5. When the process proceeds to step S5, the main body CPU 11 transmits the control data (on / off control data) acquired from the first buffer 15 to the post-processing device 2.

If the main body CPU 11 determines in step S1 that it is not the evacuation period, the process proceeds to step S6. When the process proceeds to step S6, the main body CPU 11 determines whether or not the control data is stored in the second buffer 16. As a result, when the main body CPU 11 determines that the control data is stored in the second buffer 16, the process proceeds to step S7.

When the process proceeds to step S7, the main body CPU 11 acquires control data from the second buffer 16. The control data acquired by the main body CPU 11 at this time is specific control data. After that, the process proceeds to step S8, and the main body CPU 11 transmits the control data (specific control data) acquired from the second buffer 16 to the post-processing device 2.

If the main body CPU 11 determines in step S6 that the control data is not stored in the second buffer 16, the process proceeds to step S9. When the process proceeds to step S9, the main body CPU 11 acquires control data from the first buffer 15. The control data acquired by the main body CPU 11 at this time may be on / off control data or characteristic control data. After that, the process proceeds to step S10, and the main body CPU 11 transmits the control data acquired from the first buffer 15 to the post-processing device 2.

For example, as shown in the upper figure of FIG. 6, it is assumed that seven control data (including three specific control data) are stored in the first buffer 15 during the evacuation period. In this case, as shown in the lower figure of FIG. 6, three specific control data out of the seven control data are saved in the second buffer 16. Then, of the seven control data, the remaining four on / off control data are sequentially transmitted from the first buffer 15 to the post-processing device 2 (in the lower figure of FIG. 6, the numbers assigned to the control data indicate the transmission order).

Further, for example, as shown in the upper figure of FIG. 7, three specific control data are stored in the second buffer 16, and four control data (here, on / off control data) are stored in the first buffer 15. It is assumed that the evacuation period has expired in this state. In this case, as shown in the lower figure of FIG. 7, the three specific control data stored in the second buffer 16 are sequentially transmitted to the post-processing device 2, and then the four on / off control data stored in the first buffer 15 are transmitted. The data are sequentially transmitted to the post-processing device 2 (in the lower figure of FIG. 7, the numbers assigned to the control data indicate the transmission order).

As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 (information processing apparatus) of the present embodiment is a main body that transmits the post-processing device 2 (optional device) and control data for controlling the post-processing device 2 to the post-processing device 2. It includes a CPU 11 (main body processing unit), a first buffer 15 for temporarily storing control data transmitted to the post-processing device 2, and a second buffer 16. The post-processing device 2 includes a post-processing memory 22 (optional memory), and when the control data cannot be held in the RAM of the post-processing memory 22 (memory full state), a save request is transmitted to the main body CPU 11 and the post-processing memory is stored. When the control data can be held in the RAM of 22 (the state in which the memory full state is cleared), a save release request is transmitted to the main body CPU 11. During the period from receiving the save request to receiving the save release request, the main body CPU 11 does not transmit the specific control data, which is the control data that needs to be held in the post-processing memory 22, to the post-processing device 2. The first buffer 15 is saved in the second buffer 16, control data other than the specific control data is transmitted from the first buffer 15 to the post-processing device 2, and after receiving the save release request, the data is saved in the second buffer 16. The specific control data is transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

In the configuration of the present embodiment, when the RAM of the post-processing memory 22 becomes a memory full state (a state in which control data cannot be held in the RAM of the post-processing memory 22), a save request is transmitted from the post-processing device 2 to the main body CPU 11, and post-processing is performed. When the memory full state of the memory 22 is cleared (a state in which control data can be held in the RAM of the post-processing memory 22), a save release request is transmitted from the post-processing device 2 to the main body CPU 11. In this way, in the configuration in which the save request and the save release request are transmitted from the post-processing device 2 to the main body CPU 11, it is possible to make the main body CPU 11 recognize whether or not the post-processing memory 22 is in the memory full state. ..

The main body CPU 11 is control data that needs to be retained in the post-processing memory 22 when the post-processing memory 22 is in the memory full state (the period from receiving the save request to receiving the save release request). The specific control data is saved from the first buffer 15 to the second buffer 16 without being transmitted to the post-processing device 2. When the specific control data is saved in the second buffer 16, the main body CPU 11 saves the specific control data in the second buffer 16 after the memory full state of the post-processing memory 22 is cleared (after receiving the save release request). The specific control data is transmitted to the post-processing device 2. At this time, since the memory full state of the post-processing memory 22 is cleared, the control data transmitted from the main body CPU 11 to the post-processing device 2 is held in the post-processing memory 22. As a result, even though the specific control data is transmitted from the main body CPU 11 to the post-processing device 2, the job is executed in a state where the setting based on the specific control data is not made (a state in which data leakage occurs). Can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the main body CPU 11 receives the save release request, all the specific control data saved in the second buffer 16 is transmitted to the post-processing device 2, and then stored in the first buffer 15. The control data is transmitted to the post-processing device 2. In this configuration, the specific control data saved in the second buffer 16 can be preferentially transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

Here, there are a plurality of types of specific control data such as control data regarding linear speed, control data regarding paper weight, control data regarding paper size, and control data regarding ejection destination. When there are a plurality of types of specific control data in this way, the priority order of the specific control data may be predetermined for each type of specific control data.

When the priority is predetermined for the specific control data, when the main body CPU 11 receives the save release request from the post-processing CPU 21 (when the save period ends), the priority of the specific control data saved in the second buffer 16 is given. Recognize the ranking. Then, the main body CPU 11 transmits the specific control data saved in the second buffer 16 to the post-processing device 2 in descending order of priority.

In this configuration, by setting priorities for each of the plurality of types of specific control data in advance, the priority is higher among the specific control data saved in the second buffer 16 when the save period ends. The specific control data can be transmitted to the post-processing device 2 in order.

Further, of the specific control data saved in the second buffer 16, unnecessary specific control data may be erased (discarded) from the second buffer 16 without being transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

As an example, when the main body CPU 11 receives the save release request from the post-processing CPU 21 (when the save period ends), the main body CPU 11 outputs the same type of data which is the same type of specific control data as the specific control data stored in the first buffer 15. It is determined whether or not the data is saved in the second buffer 16. When it is determined that the same type of data is saved in the second buffer 16, the main body CPU 11 erases the same type of data saved in the second buffer 16 from the second buffer 16 without transmitting it to the post-processing device 2. do.

After the main body CPU 11 receives the save release request from the post-processing CPU 21, new specific control data is stored in the first buffer 15 before the specific control data is transmitted from the second buffer 16 to the post-processing device 2. In this case, the same type of data (specific control data of the same type as the new specific control data) may be stored in the second buffer 16.

In this configuration, if the specific control data of the same type as the specific control data stored in the first buffer 15 is saved in the second buffer 16, the specific control data can be deleted from the second buffer 16. can. That is, it is possible to prevent the old specific control data (unnecessary specific control data) of the same type of specific control data from being transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

As another example, when the main body CPU 11 receives the save release request from the post-processing CPU 21 (when the save period ends), the main body CPU 11 determines whether or not the predetermined erasure condition is satisfied. For example, when the main body CPU 11 receives the erase request together with the save release request from the post-processing CPU 21, it determines that the erase condition is satisfied. When it is determined that the erasing condition is satisfied, the main body CPU 11 erases the specific control data saved in the second buffer 16 from the second buffer 16 without transmitting it to the post-processing device 2. In this case, only the control data stored in the first buffer 15 is transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above embodiment, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied when transmitting control data to the after-processing device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other optional devices such as a paper feeding device are attached to the image forming device. If so, the present invention can be applied when transmitting control data to the optional device.

1 Image forming device (information processing device)
2 Aftertreatment device (optional device)
11 Main body CPU (main body processing unit)
15 1st buffer 16 2nd buffer 22 Post-processing memory (optional memory)

Claims (5)

With optional equipment
A main body processing unit that transmits control data for controlling the optional device to the optional device, and
A first buffer that temporarily stores the control data transmitted to the optional device, and
The second buffer and
A printing unit is provided, which feeds paper into a paper transport path, transports the paper along the paper transport path, forms a toner image based on image data, and prints the toner image on the paper being transported.
The optional device includes an optional memory, and sends a save request to the main body processing unit when the control data cannot be held in the optional memory, and when the control data can be held in the optional memory, the main body. Send a save release request to the processing unit and
The control data includes specific control data that needs to be retained in the option memory and on / off control data that does not need to be retained in the option memory.
The optional device temporarily holds the specific control data transmitted from the main body processing unit in the option memory, performs setting processing based on the specific control data held in the option memory, and performs the setting processing. When completed, the specific control data is erased from the option memory,
When the main body processing unit executes a job of printing images continuously on a plurality of sheets, whether or not the setting contents of the optional device should be changed each time the paper is fed into the paper transport path. When it is determined that the setting content should be changed, the control data is transmitted to the optional device, and the control data is transmitted.
The main processing unit, the period from the reception of the retracted request until receiving the retraction release request, saving the for a particular control data from said first buffer without transmitting the optional device to the second buffer The on / off control data is transmitted from the first buffer to the option device, and after receiving the save release request, the specific control data saved in the second buffer is transmitted to the option device. An information processing device characterized by. Upon receiving the save release request, the main body processing unit transmits all the specific control data saved in the second buffer to the option device, and then the control stored in the first buffer. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein data is transmitted to the optional device. There are multiple types of specific control data,
The priority of the specific control data is predetermined for each type of the specific control data.
Upon receiving the save release request, the main body processing unit recognizes the priority of the specific control data saved in the second buffer, and the specific control data saved in the second buffer. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein transmission to the optional device is performed in descending order of priority. When the main body processing unit receives the save release request, whether or not the same type data, which is the same type of the specific control data as the control data stored in the first buffer, is saved in the second buffer. 1. When the same type of data is saved in the second buffer, the same type of data saved in the second buffer is deleted without being transmitted. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 3. When the main body processing unit receives the save release request, it determines whether or not the predetermined erase condition is satisfied, and if it determines that the erase condition is satisfied, saves the data to the second buffer. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific control data is deleted without being transmitted.

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